Analysis: Is the C-5 Galaxy in it for the long-haul?
The US Air Force currently operates 52 upgraded C-5Ms. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
What are the realistic options for replacing or replicating the C-5’s unique capability when it finally reaches its end of life?
With the C-5 Galaxy as the US Air Force’s (USAF) – and the West’s – only strategic airlifter, Lockheed Martin’s C-5 Galaxy is the de-facto largest military transport aircraft in operational service. As its sole user, the USAF has 52 of the upgraded ‘M’-model plus a smaller number of older stored C-5Bs that could in theory be modernised.
The Galaxy represents the core of the USAF’s strategic airlift capability under Air Mobility Command (AMC), this being defined roughly as aircraft able to carry oversized payloads over transcontinental distances. In this it is supported by the smaller C-17 Globemaster and at
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